World's Most Extreme Valentine's Day Activities

World's Most Extreme Valentine's Day Activities

Valentine's Day is a time to do something special with the one you love, and hotels around the world are going out of their way to add that spark for your romantic night. The boutique hotels of Affinia invite guests to play out their friskiest fantasies with a "Naughty and Nice" romance package. The one-night package allows guests to "get naughty" with a bottle of bubbly, a strip poker set, late checkout and "get nice" with rose petal turn-down service, a box of handmade chocolates, a romantic in-room movie and a "52 Ways to Stay in Love Forever" deck of cards. Prices start at $160 in Chicago, $169 in Washington and $209 in New York.

Affinia Hotels

World's Most Extreme Valentine's Day Activities

Valentine's Day is a time to do something special with the one you love, and hotels around the world are going out of their way to add that spark for your romantic night. The boutique hotels of <a href="http://www.affinia.com/" target="external">Affinia</a> invite guests to play out their friskiest fantasies with a "Naughty and Nice" romance package. The one-night package allows guests to "get naughty" with a bottle of bubbly, a strip poker set, late checkout and "get nice" with rose petal turn-down service, a box of handmade chocolates, a romantic in-room movie and a "52 Ways to Stay in Love Forever" deck of cards. Prices start at $160 in Chicago, $169 in Washington and $209 in New York.

Affinia Hotels

World's Most Extreme Valentine's Day Activities

The <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/nycbr-renaissance-new-york-hotel-57/" target="external">Renaissance New York Hotel 57</a> is offering a sugary treat for your love: a room that's billed as "The World's Sweetest Suite." Renaissance joined with <a href="http://www.dylanscandybar.com/" target="external">Dylan's Candy Bar</a> to created this fantasy candyland suite that includes giant gummy bears, an edible candy wall, white-chocolate fountain, cotton candy machine and more than 300 pounds of edible candy, gum balls and chocolate treats in every corner. The Feb. 13-15 stay will cost a steep $2,500, but luckily, Renaissance has a <a href="http://www.marriott.com/marriott/renaissance_romance.mi" target="external">scaled-back package</a> at its other properties.

Renaissance

World's Most Extreme Valentine's Day Activities

For those looking to pop the big question, the <a href="http://www.mandarinoriental.com/miami/" target="external">Mandarin Oriental Miami</a> has its own "Engagement Concierge" who will help craft a tailored proposal. Couples can choose to dine in seclusion at the water's edge on the hotel's exclusive beach before the big proposal. A Chinese daybed with colorful cushions and canopies will be set and tended to by a personal server during the romantic evening. Guests may choose from proposal scenarios that range from fortune cookie ring boxes to candles that spell out the proposal on the sand. Rates for the package start at $550 plus rooms starting at $459.

Mandarin Oriental

World's Most Extreme Valentine's Day Activities

In New York, the <a href="http://www.algonquinhotel.com/" target="external">Algonquin Hotel</a> is offering a "Gemologist Package" in which a diamond and precious gem expert and wholesaler will demystify the Diamond District. The gemologist gives a tutorial on cut, clarity, carat and color and then helps the guest shop for rings. The two-night package in a suite is $1,500, plus the cost of any diamonds purchased. For those who don't want to go through the hassle of picking out a rock -- even with a guide -- the hotel also offers a $10,000 martini that comes with a preselected diamond sparkling on the bottom.

Algonquin Hotel

World's Most Extreme Valentine's Day Activities

Across the Atlantic in Ireland <a href="http://www.ashford.ie/index.php" target="external">Ashford Castle</a> turns a hawk into a "lovebird" for Valentine's Day. The sprawling castle dates back to 1228 and was once a country home of the Guinness family. Ashford is home to a falconry school where birds are trained to fly off and return with food. For Valentine's Day, Ashford can arrange for the hawk to instead return with a ring. It lands on the bride-to-be's arm prompting the groom to get down on his knee for the proposal. The cost: about $165. Add on two nights at the castle with breakfast, dinner a dozen red roses and a bottle of champagne for about $1,100. No word about what happens if the hawk flies off with your ring.

Ashford Castle

World's Most Extreme Valentine's Day Activities

In Colorado, Loveland Ski Resort will host its <a href="http://www.skiloveland.com/events/wedding.aspx" target="external">19th Annual Valentine's Day Mountaintop Matrimony ceremony</a> in which couples are married or renew their vows in a mass ceremony at 12,050 feet above sea level. At the conclusion of the 30-minute ceremony, all participants and guests ski or snowboard down the mountain for a casual party. Couples are encouraged to dress in appropriate "ski-wedding" attire, and a prize is given for the best-dressed couple. Participating couples can buy a 2-for-1 lift ticket for $59 and can purchase 2-for-1 lunches for $11.

Loveland Ski Resort

World's Most Extreme Valentine's Day Activities

Across the country at the 41 Kimpton Hotels couples can get a bit of hands-on relaxation with <a href="http://www.kimptonhotels.com/promotions/rub-the-one-youre-with.aspx" target="external">the "Rub the One You're With" promotion</a>. This romantic rendezvous includes a massage class in the privacy of guests' rooms, where couples learn how to pamper their partner from a certified massage therapist . Travelers will take home amenities and newfound skills to ensure their love burns bright all year long. The package runs through March 31 and starts at $269 per night, depending on city and availability.

Kimpton Hotels

World's Most Extreme Valentine's Day Activities

For a culinary treat, consider the "Dinner Amid the Pools" promotion at <a href="http://www.setai.com/" target="external">the Setai</a> on Miami's South Beach. Private romantic tables, warmly lighted by candles, will be arranged in secluded corners along the Setai's backyard of pools. The decadent menu includes caviar, lobster, Alaskan crab claws, white truffle and dark Swiss chocolate. The meal doesn't come cheap at $650 a couple (add $70 per person for a wine pairing) but it is sure to impress.

Setai South Beach

World's Most Extreme Valentine's Day Activities

For something a bit more affordable, head to Atlantic City where couples can take part for free in a <a href="http://www.atlanticcitynj.com/group_tours/atlantic_city_group_wedding.aspx" target="external">group wedding, civil union and vow renewal ceremony</a> right off the boardwalk. Each year, more than 100 couples participate in the nondenominational ceremony that includes a champagne toast, wedding cake and photo opportunities.

Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority

World's Most Extreme Valentine's Day Activities

In Italy, <a href="http://www.hotelhasslerroma.com/" target="external">Hotel Hassler Roma</a> welcomes couples with a special "San Valentino" package that includes a specially created menu at the hotel's Michelin-starred panoramic restaurant, accommodations, breakfast, a bottle of Italian sparkling wine, a red rose and a surprise gift. Two nights cost about $1,500, three for $2,200. For another $1,500, guests can add a 30-minute helicopter ride over Rome.

Hotel Hassler Roma

World's Most Extreme Valentine's Day Activities

For the ultimate romantic experience, look at the <a href="http://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/flash.html" target="external">One&Only</a> Le Saint Geran in Mauritius where for $1,013 you get a personal tepee on the sand, can listen to your favorite music and snack on caviar, lobster and a Dom Perignon lunch before heading to the spa for treatments. To really wow your sweetheart, you can add a three-minute personalized fireworks display for an extra $1,900. A private helicopter and island boat cruise can also be added on to the package.

One&Only

World's Most Extreme Valentine's Day Activities

Looking to escape from it all? Then consider the new <a href="http://www.capmaison.com/index.html" target="external">Cap Maison</a> resort on Saint Lucia. The resort is built on a wooden deck on a rock surrounded on three sides by the sea surging over the reefs. But the real treat here is that you won't have to see your servers. A champagne bucket travels down a zipline directly from the kitchen to the deck below and is then pulled back by a pulley. This secluded spot is perfect for the private proposal of a lifetime.

Cap Maison

World's Most Extreme Valentine's Day Activities

Up in Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador's <a href="http://www.leasidemanor.com/" target="external">Leaside Manor Suites and Apartments</a> offers a dive in package that allows guests the opportunity to dive down to a fully intact shipwreck in the clear waters of Conception Bay and propose underwater on the ship's deck. At a place with a name like Conception Bay, how can you go wrong? The $3,500 package includes limo pickup at the airport, four nights accommodations and a two-person dive with <a href="http://www.oceanquestadventures.com/" target="external">Ocean Quest Adventures</a>.

Ocean Quest Adventures

World's Most Extreme Valentine's Day Activities

What's sweeter than having your loved one cook a meal for you? Well, the <a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/boston/" target="external">Four Seasons Boston</a> is offering a "Guys Only" cooking class where men will learn to cook an aphrodisiac inspired four-course dinner including such passion-igniting dishes as Rosemary Spiced Chicken Roast with Champagne and Oyster Mushrooms, and Flourless Chocolate Cake with Rose Petal Ice Cream and Vanilla Lather. The results will then be boxed-up to go, with reheat and presentation instructions. The cooking class is $125.

Handout

World's Most Extreme Valentine's Day Activities

For those looking for a little help in popping the big question, London's <a href="http://www.thestaffordhotel.co.uk/" target="external">Stafford Hotel</a> has the answer: Frank Laino. The head concierge will walk nervous fiancés-to-be through every step in two prearrival conference calls. Then when the couple arrives at the hotel, they will be met with champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and rose petals on the bed. In the morning, there are monogrammed bathrobes to snuggle in over English breakfast served in the suite and of course a late checkout. The two-night package with the concierge's services comes to $3,750. Hey, nobody ever said London was a cheap town.

Handout

World's Most Extreme Valentine's Day Activities

Sin City might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of your sweetheart, but the new <a href="http://www.mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas/" target="external">Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas</a> is offering a "Priceless Love Package" that, well, comes with a steep $20,000 price. The package includes one night in the 3,100 square-foot Mandarin Suite (private dining room, personal gym, couple's soaking tub), an Art of Romance couple's spa treatment, private dinner for two in the suite and a VIP table and bottle of champagne at the Mandarin Bar.

Handout

World's Most Extreme Valentine's Day Activities

If you have an unlimited checking account, consider the jaw-dropping $150,000 package being offered by New York's <a href="http://www.buckinghamhotel.com/" target="external">Buckingham Hotel</a>. The two lovebirds will be whisked away from anywhere in the continental U.S. to New York in their very own G4 jet. Upon touchdown, a limo will take the scenic route into the city while playing romantic classical music. The couple will then be checked into the property's newly reopened luxury triplex penthouse to behold its 360-degree views of the stunning midtown Manhattan skyline. Out front, a horse-drawn carriage will await and lead them through a sunset jaunt through Central Park. Then, a candlelit dinner for two will be privately catered in front of the penthouse's regal fireplace.

Handout

World's Most Extreme Valentine's Day Activities

Finally, for those of you not in love or unable to be with your significant other, consider this anti-Valentine's Day activity at New York's <a href="http://www.hillcountryny.com/" target="external">Hill Country</a> barbecue restaurant whose motto for Feb. 14 will be: "If you ain't got someone to love, love the rib you're with!" Guests are challenged to polish off the following feast in 60 minutes, with no bathroom breaks: half pound of moist brisket, half pound of lean brisket, half pound of beef shoulder, half pound of prime rib, one small hot side, one small cold side, a 32-once soft drink and one cupcake of their choice. If successful, the $65 meal is free, plus they'll receive Hill Country memorabilia and get on the legendary "Wall of Cue."